Current Human Population.....
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/7-billion
World Population Statistics....
http://www.os-connect.com/pop/p2n.asp\
So What is Environmental Sustainability?
In order for the Earth to be sustainable for future generations - the following needs to occur:
- RENEWABLE RESOURCES - Rate of harvest can not exceed rate of regeneration
- POLLUTION: Rate of waste generation can not exceed earth's capacity to process & reabsorb.
- NON RENEWABLE RESOURCES: Depletion of these need require comparable development of renewable substances for that resources....
Our Island, Earth...
What can you do: Action by teens
http://www.epa.gov/wastes/education/teens/index.htm
Defining Environmental Science & Sustainability
3 Pillars of Sustainability
- SOCIETY
- ECONOMY
- ENVIRONMENT
- Which typically wins? Which loses?
- How are they related to eachother
Defining Sustainability
Sustainability is the ability to continue a defined behavior indefinitely. .... (as per Webster's Dictionary)
So What Happens if we Run Out of Resources?
How does Environmental Science play a role in your world?
Determining your Ecological Footprint
www.myfootprint.org
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/48580118/#48580118
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nbc-news/48472980#48472980
Defining Environmental Science A-Z
Consumption of Natural Resources
A natural resource is any resource that comes from nature...people do not make natural resources - they come from the earth
- Increase in consumption of natural resources across the globe (due to population)
- Renewable vs. Non renewable resources
- Distinguishing between Renewable & Non Renewable....
So...What is Environmental Science
The study of :
how the natural world works,
how the environment affects humans,
& how humans affect the environment
Statistics for Countries:
Birth Rate vs. Death Rates
Infant Mortaility
Life Expectancy
Population Up, Resources Down
An example of Environmental Science: The Ozone Layer....
How scientists uncover, research, & solve environmental problems....
While watching this video think about the following:
1. What depletes the ozone layer AND what has been done since the 80's to dcrease it?
2. How long will it take to "fix" itself, are we close?
3. What will happen if the ozone layer disappears?
photo credit Nasa / Goddard Space Flight Center / Reto Stöckli
How did we get so big do fast?